Is Avocado Sushi Authentic?

Avocado is a common ingredient in American supermarket sushi. Do Japanese people eat avocado in their sushi? “Avocado in sushi was the idea of a Japanese chef in Los Angeles about 40 years ago who used it as a replacement for toro because it offered a similar ‘melty’ mouth feel,” says Silverjay. “It was subsequently used in California rolls. It’s a Japanese invention, but unique to the U.S.” ShelleyCT, however, says it’s not necessarily unique to the United States: “here in South Africa the avocado/sushi combo is very popular, and in the UK.”

“If you went to Japan, you’d find everything in sushi from top-quality absolutely-fresh delicate fish, down to hot dogs and spam,” says wayne keyser. “There’s no law restricting sushi to certain traditions or ingredients, though of course you wouldn’t find really weird downscale ingredients used in ‘fine sushi dining’ establishments.” While traditional Japanese culture doesn’t change much over time, Japanese popular culture borrows avidly from other cultures. “If you think ‘pop’ sushi is odd, you should see Japanese pizza,” says wayne keyser.